Vibrant Beach Town & Nightlife
Costa Rica’s most popular beach destination offers world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, vibrant nightlife, and excellent surf breaks for all levels.
International cuisine and beachfront restaurants
Multiple breaks for beginners to experts
Tours, water sports, and adventure activities
Things to Do
The main beach break at Tamarindo is famous as one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn to surf, with forgiving waves and a sandy bottom that are ideal for beginners. More experienced surfers use the town as a launch pad for nearby breaks, including Playa Grande and Playa Avellanas, both within about 30 minutes. A cluster of surf schools and board-rental shops line the beach, so it is easy to book a lesson or rent a board for the day. Read our full guide to surfing in Playa Grande and Tamarindo.
Waves for every level
The liveliest scene on the coast
Dining is one of the biggest draws in Tamarindo. The town packs in an impressive range of restaurants, including fresh seafood, international cuisine, casual sodas, beachfront bars, cafes, and a lively Saturday farmers market. As the sun goes down, Tamarindo has the most active nightlife on this coast, from sunset happy hours to beach bars and music. Everything is within easy walking distance, which is part of the appeal. For local dishes worth seeking out, see our Costa Rican food guide.
Playa Tamarindo itself is a wide, sandy beach that is great for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks, with calm areas at the southern end. The north end connects to the estuary bordering Las Baulas National Park, a rich habitat for birds and wildlife that is well worth a boat tour. Tamarindo also makes a convenient base for exploring nearby Playa Langosta, Playa Avellanas, and day trips into the wider Guanacaste region.
Langosta, Avellanas and beyond
Tamarindo is roughly a one to one-and-a-half hour drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR), on well-paved roads the whole way. It is one of the easiest beach towns in Costa Rica to reach, with private transfers, shared shuttles, and rental cars all readily available. From Playa Grande, Tamarindo is just around 20 minutes by car around the estuary, and our concierge team can arrange your airport transfer in advance.
Tamarindo is perfect for travelers who want convenience, energy, and variety. For many of our guests, the ideal combination is staying in a peaceful Playa Grande villa while enjoying the restaurants and nightlife of Tamarindo just a short drive away, giving them the best of both worlds: quiet nights and lively evenings whenever they want them.
Browse our handpicked vacation rentals in this beautiful destination.